Courses
Course offerings vary from year to year. Check Generate a Timetable for available course offerings.
INDG 101 (6) Exploring Indigenous Identities
A learning community examining the formation and maintenance of Canadian Indigenous identities in both historical and contemporary times. In lectures and small seminars students explore the diversity of Indigenous identities and the internal and external forces that shape their construction. A resident elder supports all lectures and seminars. INDG 101 was formerly called FNAT 101; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12.
INDG 102 (6) Exploring Indigenous Communities
A learning community examining the culture, history, and diversity of Indigenous communities. In lectures and small seminars students explore how communities have survived and maintained themselves through the colonial period to the present in Canada. A resident elder supports all lectures and seminars. INDG 102 was formerly called FNAT 102; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:3:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12.
INDG 103 (3) Introduction to Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies I
A multidisciplinary introduction to Indigenous studies, drawing on readings, seminar discussion, and writing to explore essential themes. Special emphasis will be given to historical, cultural, and socio-political processes that shape Indigenous experiences and realities. Selected case studies will be used to illustrate these processes. INDG 103 was formerly called FNAT 103; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12.
INDG 104 (3) Introduction to Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies II
A multidisciplinary introduction to Indigenous Studies, drawing on readings, seminar discussion, and writing to explore essential themes. Focus will be on B.C. Indigenous, especially the peoples of the North Pacific Coast. INDG 104 was formerly called FNAT 104; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12.
INDG 110 (3) Coast Salish Language: Hul'q'umi'num' I
An opportunity to develop basic skills in the comprehension, oral presentation, reading, and writing of Hul'q'umi'num'. INDG 110 was formerly called FNAT 110; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:2)
Prerequisite: English 12 or equivalent.
INDG 111 (3) Coast Salish Language: Hul'q'umi'num' II
A continuation of INDG 110 with emphasis on structure and syntax. INDG 111 was formerly called FNAT 111; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:2)
Prerequisite: INDG 110 (formerly FNAT 110, formerly HULQ 100).
INDG 203 (6) Indigenous and Settler Relations
An overview of the relationships emerging from the contact experiences of Indigenous peoples and settler societies. Topics include the comparative study of perspectives on historical and social patterns of change in select Indigenous communities in Canada and abroad, as reflected in literature, film, art, and narrative. INDG 203 was formerly called FNAT 203; credit will not be granted for both courses. (6:0:0)
Prerequisite: Second year standing.
INDG 204 (6) Indigenous Perspectives on the Environment
An exploration of the historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous peoples and the environment, particularly on the British Columbia coast. Topics may include creation stories, land-based activities, government policies and land use, urban environments and demographics, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and Indigenous knowledge (IK) and aquaculture. INDG 204 was formerly called FNAT 204; credit will not be granted for both courses. (6:0:0)
Prerequisite: Second year standing.
INDG 210 (3) Coast Salish Language: Hul'q'umi'num' III
A course for students who have completed the first-year Hul'q'umi'num' courses (or equivalent), and who wish to continue their learning. Emphasis on conversation, grammar, as well as reading and writing. INDG 210 was formerly called FNAT 210; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:2)
Prerequisite: INDG 111 (formerly FNAT 111, formerly HULQ 101) or equivalent.
INDG 211 (3) Coast Salish Language: Hul'q'umi'num' IV
A continuation of INDG 210, with further emphasis on grammar, writing, and new vocabulary. INDG 211 was formerly called FNAT 211; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:2)
Prerequisite: INDG 210 (formerly FNAT 210).
INDG 220 (3) First Nations and the Canadian State
An examination of the historic and contemporary relationship between First Nations and the Canadian state. Involves lectures and discussions on the Royal Proclamation, Indian treaties, Canadian Indian policy and legislation, and the development of First Nations political movements. INDG 220 was formerly called FNAT 220; credit will not be granted for both courses. (2:1:0)
Prerequisite: Second-year standing and 3 credits in INDG courses.
INDG 232 (3) Indigenous in Film: Selected Topics
An introductory course examining Indigenous representation in film. Topics may include: early ethnographic films; documentaries; Hollywood feature films; Indigenous productions. INDG 232 was formerly called FNAT 232; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:1:0)
Prerequisite: First-year English requirement.
INDG 300 (3) Indigenous Knowledge: Land as Life (Ends Jan 2025)
Students will learn and appreciate Indigenous perspectives on the cultural significance of the land. Topics may include: genealogy, Indigenous protocols, sacred places, oral histories, sacred water, and Indigenous language. Credit will not be granted for both INDG 300 and INDG 380: Land as Life. INDG 300 was formerly called FNAT 300; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing, minimum 6 credits of Indigenous/Xwulmuxw (INDG) courses, or permission of instructor.
INDG 300 (3) Indigenous Knowledge: Land as Life (Effective Jan 2025)
Students will learn and appreciate Indigenous perspectives on the cultural significance of the land. Topics may include: genealogy, Indigenous protocols, sacred places, oral histories, sacred water, and Indigenous language. INDG 300 can be taken up to 3 times for credit. INDG 300 was formerly called FNAT 300; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing, minimum 6 credits of Indigenous/Xwulmuxw (INDG) courses, or permission of instructor.
INDG 303 (6) Indigenous Families and Communities
An exploration of Indigenous perspectives and experiences related to notions of family and community. A study of theories, case studies, histories, oral traditions and teachings as they relate to the core concepts. A focus on how Indigenous families and communities define, recreate, and maintain themselves. INDG 303 was formerly called FNAT 303; credit will not be granted for both courses. (6:0:0)
Prerequisite: Any 12 credits from INDG 101, INDG 102, INDG 203, INDG 204 (formerly FNAT 101, FNAT 102, FNAT 203, FNAT 204) and third-year standing.
INDG 304 (6) Indigenous Self-Determination
An exploration of Indigenous perspectives and experiences related to notions of self-determination and self-governance. A consideration of questions related to principles of governance, systems of governance and notions of conflict and harmony will be featured. The class combines lectures, discussions, oratory, experiential learning, and personal reflection. INDG 304 was formerly called FNAT 304; credit will not be granted for both courses. (6:0:0)
Prerequisite: INDG 303 (formerly FNAT 303) or any 12 credits from INDG 101, 102, 203, and 204 (formerly FNAT 101, 102, 203, and 204) and third-year standing.
INDG 310 (3) Metis Peoples and Canada: An Introduction
A introduction to the cultural and political history of the Metis peoples, as well as contemporary themes of interest including epistemes and Indigenous Knowledges, cultural expression and identity, resource use, language, leadership, governance, and urban experiences. Land-based learning and Indigenous pedagogies are important features of the course. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: 6 credits in Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies or permission of instructor.
INDG 370 (3) Representing Indigenous Peoples
Students examine select themes, debates, and aspects of Indigenous representation through media and public history, from stereotypes through self-representation. Focus may include theories of representation, media theory, image production, and their application to Indigenous peoples in the context of monuments, museums, film, anthropology, public policy, and law in Canadian society. INDG 370 was formerly called FNAT 370; credit will not be granted for both courses. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Min. 6 credits of INDG.
INDG 380 (3) Special Topics in Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies (Ends Sep 2025)
An intensive study of selected topics in Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies. Topics vary from year to year to ensure a broad range of coverage. (May be taken for credit more than once in different topics.) INDG 380 was formerly called FNAT 380; credit will not be granted for both courses. (0:3:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing.
INDG 380 (3) Special Topics in Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies (Effective Sep 2025)
An intensive study of selected topics in Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies. Topics vary from year to year to ensure a broad range of coverage. This course may be taken for credit on different topics, to a maximum of three (3) times. INDG 380 was formerly called FNAT 380; credit will not be granted for both courses. (0:3:0)
Prerequisite: Third-year standing plus a min. 3 credits of INDG.
INDG 400 (6) Applied Community Research Institute
An advanced, community-based research seminar in which students learn and apply skills in team-building, group leadership, developing partnerships with Indigenous communities, creating culturally responsive research agendas and protocols, and managing data and research outcomes. A new project is initiated each year. Intended for Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Majors and Minors. INDG 400 was formerly called FNAT 400; credit will not be granted for both courses. (0:2:1 for 30 weeks)
Prerequisite: First-year English requirement and third-year standing.
Co-requisites: 3rd or 4th year program in Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies.
INDG 403 (6) Senior Project and Indigenous Research Methods
Students will 1) engage with current academic literature and ideas regarding indigenous research methodologies, and 2) produce a major research paper or scholarly project involving a topic relevant to Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies. Students will present their essay or project at a public conference. INDG 403 was formerly called FNAT 403; credit will not be granted for both courses. (6:0:0)
Prerequisite: Fourth year standing and a minimum of 18 credits in INDG, including INDG 303 and 304 (formerly FNAT 303 and 304) or permission of instructor.
INDG 404 (6) Internship
An internship in an Indigenous context, involving voluntary service to a community organization or project. Students will be monitored by a site supervisor/mentor from the organization or project, and the course instructor. Internship involves 250 hours of work, including scheduled meetings with the course instructor and student cohort. INDG 404 was formerly called FNAT 404; credit will not be granted for both courses. (6:0:0 -250)
Prerequisite: Fourth year standing and a minimum of 18 credits in INDG, including INDG 303 and 304 (formerly FNAT 303 and 304). A min. "C+" overall grade average required.
INDG 490 (3) B.A. Essay or Project
A major paper or scholarly project involving Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies and the student's area of specialization, written with the guidance of a faculty member. Students will present their essay or project at a public conference in April. INDG 490 was formerly called FNAT 490; credit will not be granted for both courses. (1:2:0)
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department.